The Psychological Pathways to AI Resistance: Religiosity, Populism and Anxiety as Predictors of AI Engagement

Abstract

This study investigates how religiosity affects individuals' intentions to engage with artificial intelligence (AI) using a non-WEIRD sample (N = 422). We examined populist beliefs and AI-related anxiety as mediators in this relationship. Results indicate that higher religiosity is associated with stronger populist attitudes, which increase AI anxiety. Elevated AI anxiety then leads to reduced willingness to engage with AI technologies. The serial mediation pathway from religiosity through populism and AI anxiety to AI engagement intention was marginally significant, suggesting a potential indirect effect. Additionally, religiosity directly negatively predicts AI engagement and positively predicts populism, while populism strongly predicts AI anxiety, which negatively impacts AI engagement. These findings reveal important psychological mechanisms underlying how religiosity shapes attitudes towards AI adoption.